Apparatus and Method for Phacoemulsification

ABSTRACT

Phacoemulsification needles are configured to cause an eccentric or wobble-type motion by being formed to distribute the mass of the needle non-uniformly. In one version the non-uniform property is created by angling the needle&#39;s aspiration passage with respect to the needle axis. In another, the needle tip walls are formed with non-uniform thicknesses, with or without including an off-axis configuration with respect to the needle aspiration passageway. In another, the needle tip walls are formed in a scalloped configuration. In another, external protuberances or “bumps” are formed on the needle tip exterior wall surfaces. In another, the needle tip walls have weighted inserts placed therein. In another, the needle tip is formed with skewed bevels and ridges. In another, the needle body is formed with non-uniformly shaped segments. In another, a portion of the needle tip is twisted with respect to the rest of the tip.

This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/246,864, filed Sep. 29, 2009 and entitled “Apparatus and Method for Phacoemulsification”, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/263,315, filed 31 Oct. 2008, which is claims priority from application Ser. No. 60/984,375, filed 1 Nov. 2007, all of which are incorporated herein, by reference, in their entirety, for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to surgical instruments and surgical techniques used in eye surgery and more particularly, to phacoemulsification apparatus and methods for their use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common opthalmological surgical technique is the removal of a diseased or injured lens from the eye. Earlier techniques used for the removal of the lens typically required a substantial incision to be made in the capsular bag in which the lens is encased. Such incisions were often on the order of 12 mm in length.

Later techniques focused on removing diseased lenses and inserting replacement artificial lenses through as small an incision as possible. For example, it is now a common technique to take an artificial intraocular lens (IOL), fold it and insert the folded lens through the incision, allowing the lens to unfold when it is properly positioned within the capsular bag. Similarly, efforts have been made to accomplish the removal of the diseased lens through an equally small incision.

One such removal technique is known as phacoemulsification. A typical phacoemulsification tool includes a handpiece to which is attached a hollow needle. Electrical energy is applied to a piezoelectric crystal to vibrate the needle at ultrasonic frequencies in order to fragment the diseased lens into small enough particles to be aspirated from the eye through the hollow needle. Commonly, an infusion sleeve is mounted around the needle to supply irrigating liquids to the eye in order to aid in flushing and aspirating the lens particles.

It is extremely important to properly infuse liquid during such surgery. Maintaining a sufficient amount of liquid prevents collapse of certain tissues within the eye and attendant injury or damage to delicate eye structures. As an example, endothelial cells can easily be damaged during such collapse and this damage is permanent because these cells do not regenerate. Some benefits of using as small incision as possible during such surgery are the minimization of leakage of liquid during and after surgery to help prevent tissue collapse, faster healing time and decreased post-operative astigmatism.

Phacoemulsification needles and tips are well represented in the prior art. Needles and tips of varying configurations are well known. A particular shape for a tip or needle is often dictated by the type of handpiece with which the needle is to be used.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,495 (Strukel et al) teaches and describes a phacoemulsification handpiece, sleeve and tip illustrating a wide variety of tip configurations and needle cross-sectional configurations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,555 (Devine) teaches and describes an ultrasonic needle for surgical emulsification. The needle and its tip are shown in both circular and oval configurations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,054 (Rockley) teaches and describes a multiple bypass port phacoemulsification tip having multiple aspiration ports and a single discharge port to infuse liquid into the eye.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,356 (Geuder) teaches and describes a surgical instrument for crushing crystalline eye lenses by means of ultrasound and for removing lens debris by suction which demonstrates the use of a sleeve positioned concentric to the needle and having a pair of discharge ports formed thereon.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,530 (Boukhny) teaches and describes a phacoemulsification sleeve, one variation of which has a bellows portion attached to a discharge port ring which directs an annular flow of liquid around the needle and into the eye. The use of the bellows is intended to allow the sleeve to absorb spikes in liquid pressure during the operation.

Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2003/0004455 (Kadziauskas) teaches and describes a bi-manual phacoemulsification needle using separate emulsification and aspiration needles inserted into the eye simultaneously during surgery.

Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0217672 (Chon) teaches and describes a phacoemulsification tip that is swaged or crimped at its distal end. The tip is intended for use with a handpiece producing torsional motion and the crimping forms cutting edges at the distal end.

Many phacoemulsification needles and tips are designed for use with handpieces that vibrate the needle longitudinally at relatively low frequencies. In addition to longitudinal vibration, certain handpieces sold by Alcon, Inc. of Ft. Worth, Tex. claim to impart a torsional motion to the needle at an oscillation vibration frequency of about 100 cycles/second. There are also handpieces that provide torsional oscillation of the phacoemulsification tip at frequencies of about 32,000 cycles/second.

Use of the torsional-type handpiece has called for phacoemulsification needle tip designs differing from those used with the longitudinal-type handpiece. For example, needles have been designed with tips that are shaped, swaged and angled to take advantage of the needle motion created by the handpiece.

Many surgeons favor phacoemulsification needles having the straight tip design commonly used with longitudinal hand pieces. The great majority of surgeons use longitudinal hand pieces rather than torsional hand pieces, often because torsional phacoemulsification equipment is more expensive than longitudinal equipment, and thus find themselves unable to take advantage of the enhanced phacoemulsification results claimed in torsional phaco.

Forming a needle tip in an off-axis position relative to the axis of the aspiration passageway extending through the needle body causes eccentric motion or “wobble” during torsional phacoemulsification and improves the efficiency of phacoemulsification while retaining the straight-tip configuration. Surprisingly, I have also found that forming the tip in such an off-axis position also increases the efficiency of phacoemulsification when using a longitudinal hand piece. Preliminary clinical examinations indicate that using an off-axis needle with a longitudinal hand piece may be more efficient than using the same needle with a torsional hand piece providing 100% torsional action, where efficiency is measured by the energy dissipated during phacoemulsification. When used herein, the term “dissipated energy” refers to the amount of energy, most commonly measured in joules, used by the hand piece during phacoemulsification. Lower dissipated energy readings mean that less heat is being produced during phacoemulsification which lowers the possibility of thermal damage to the delicate eye tissues.

There are known phacoemulsification apparatus, such as the Infiniti® Vision System manufactured by Alcon Laboratories of Ft. Worth, Tex. which allow the surgeon to choose between using torsional motion, longitudinal motion, or a blend thereof in a single hand piece. A common blended setting uses torsional motion two-thirds of the time, and longitudinal motion one-third of the time. It is believed that the “blended” motion produces a more three-dimensional effect because of the back-and-forth motion imparted during longitudinal phacoemulsification and the eccentric motion produced at the tip during torsional phaco.

Use of an off-axis tip with a longitudinal hand piece appears to create a hybrid type of phacoemulsification motion without using the more complex and expensive torsional phacoemulsification apparatus. I have also determined that the eccentric or wobble type of motion can be imparted to a phacoemulsification needle with no flare at the tip by forming the central aspiration passageway within the needle body in an off-axis position. It is also expected that similar results will be obtained using a straight phacoemulsification needle having an aspiration passageway that is formed with a cross sectional configuration different than the cross-section configuration of the needle body itself, and that these results will be further amplified if the passageway is also placed off-axis.

While the following describes a preferred embodiment or embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that such description is made by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is expected that alterations and further modifications, as well as other and further applications of the principles of the present invention will occur to others skilled in the art to which the invention relates and, while differing from the foregoing, remain within the spirit and scope of the invention as herein described and claimed. Where means-plus-function clauses are used in the claims such language is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited functions and not only structural equivalents but equivalent structures as well. For the purposes of the present disclosure, two structures that perform the same function within an environment described above may be equivalent structures.

I have determined that an eccentric or “wobble” motion can be imparted to a phacoemulsification needle by constructed the needle to include anomalies in distribution of the needle's mass. In other words, the needle is manufactured in a manner in which the distribution of mass about the needle's major axis is not uniform.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the needle itself is formed with the central aspiration passageway angled with respect to the central axis of the needle body.

In another embodiment, the needle body with an angled aspiration passageway is combined with a flared tip that is centered on the needle body.

In another embodiment, an off-axis aspiration passageway is combined with a needle tip wherein the tip itself is formed with non-uniform distribution of mass.

In yet another embodiment, the needle tip having a non-uniform distribution of mass is combined with a passageway that is coaxial with the axis of the needle body.

In another embodiment a bump or selected number of bumps is formed on the external surface of the needle tip to create a non-uniform distribution of mass.

In yet another embodiment the portion of the needle is formed from a metal having a first density while the remaining portion is formed from a metal having a different density.

In yet another embodiment, the portion of the needle is drilled away and the resulting aperture is plugged with a metallic plug having a density different than that of the density of the main needle body.

In another embodiment, a series of needle tips having non-uniform skewed ridges on double beveled needle tips.

In another embodiment, a portion of the needle body is formed with a diameter larger than the remaining portion.

In another embodiment, the distal portion of the needle body is formed a larger diameter, a larger portion of which is offset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numbers are used to identify like parts, and which are presented to illustrate the aspects of the invention although not necessarily to actual scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing prior art straight oval- and square-shaped tips;

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing several prior art needle cross-sectional configurations;

FIG. 3 is a lateral schematic view of a phacoemulsification needle embodying the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the needle of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an end view taken along 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial lateral schematic view of the needle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a lateral view of a needle tip having a circular cross-section;

FIG. 8 is a partial lateral schematic view of the needle tip of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a partial lateral view of a variation of the tip shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a partial lateral view of a variation of the tip shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the needle of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the tip of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the end of a prior art straight needle tip during torsional motion;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of the end of a needle tip constructed in accordance with the present invention and used with torsional motion;

FIG. 16 is an end view showing a needle having a triangular offset tip;

FIG. 17 is an end view of a needle having a pentagonal offset tip with the aspiration passageway formed at an apex to adjacent sides of the pentagon;

FIG. 18 is a view of FIG. 17 showing the aspiration passageway positioned along one side of the pentagonal tip;

FIG. 19 is an end view of a square tip showing the aspiration passageway positioned at an apex of two adjacent sides of the square;

FIG. 20 is an end view of a square tip extending from a needle body having a circular outer cross-section and an aspiration passageway with an oval cross-section;

FIG. 21 is a lateral sectional view of a portion of a straight, unflared phacoemulsification needle having a circular exterior cross-section shape and an internal aspiration passageway having an oval cross-sectional shape;

FIG. 22 is an end view of the needle of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a lateral sectional view of a portion of a straight, unflared phacoemulsification needle having an oval cross-sectional shape with an aspiration passageway having a circular cross-sectional shape and offset toward one end of the needle body;

FIG. 24 is an end view of the needle of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a lateral view of a phacoemulsification needle with an angled tip formed off-axis to the needle body;

FIG. 26 is a view along 26-26 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a flared phacoemulsification needle tip;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a microscopic view of a portion of the outer surface of the tip of FIGS. 27 and 28 after roughening and polishing;

FIG. 30 is a microscopic view of a portion of the inner surface of the tip of FIGS. 27 and 28 after roughening and polishing;

FIG. 31 is a partial lateral view of a prior art phacoemulsification needle in contact with a nucleus;

FIG. 32 is a variation of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a partial lateral view of a phacoemulsification needle in contact with a nucleus;

FIG. 34 is a variation of FIG. 29;

FIG. 35 is a partial sectional view of a phacoemulsification needle having an angled aspiration passageway and a symmetrical flared tip;

FIG. 36 is a partial sectional view of a phacoemulsification needle having an angled aspiration passageway and a non-flared tip;

FIG. 37 is a partial sectional view of a phacoemulsification needle having an angled aspiration passageway and an asymmetrical flared tip;

FIG. 38 is a partial sectional view of a flared asymmetrical phaco tip;

FIG. 39 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of an asymmetrical needle tip;

FIG. 41 is an end view of the needle of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of an asymmetrical needle tip;

FIG. 43 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is a partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of an asymmetrical needle tip;

FIG. 45 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of an asymmetrical needle tip;

FIG. 47 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of an asymmetric needle tip;

FIG. 49 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 48 showing the tip in a second selected offset;

FIG. 51 is an end view of a rectangular tip showing a selected offset;

FIG. 52 is an end view of a square needle tip showing a selected offset;

FIG. 53 is a partial sectional view of yet another embodiment of an asymmetric needle tip;

FIG. 54 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 53;

FIG. 55 is a partial lateral sectional view of a needle tip having a bump formed thereon;

FIG. 56 is an end view of the tip of FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a partial sectional view of a bump formed on a non-flared needle tip;

FIG. 58 is a view along line 58-58 of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a partial lateral sectional view of a flared needle tip having a bump formed thereon;

FIG. 60 is a view along 60-60 of FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a partial lateral sectional view of a needle tip having an indentation formed thereon;

FIG. 62 is a view along 62-62 of FIG. 61;

FIG. 63 is a partial elevational view of a composite unflared needle tip;

FIG. 64 is a partial elevational view of a needle tip having a plug;

FIG. 65 is a partial elevational view of the needle of FIG. 64;

FIG. 66 is a partial sectional view of the tip wall of FIG. 65 showing the plug set therein;

FIG. 67 is a partial elevational view of a flared composite tip;

FIG. 68 is another partial elevational view of the tip of FIG. 67;

FIG. 69 is a partial elevational view showing an insert port formed on a flared needle tip;

FIG. 70 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 69;

FIG. 71 is a top plan view of a tip having multiple skewed ridges and bevels;

FIG. 72 is a view taken at a of FIG. 71;

FIG. 73 is a view taken at b of FIG. 71;

FIG. 74 is a view taken at c of FIG. 71;

FIG. 75 is a view taken at d of FIG. 71;

FIG. 76 is another embodiment of a tip having skewed and multiple bevels;

FIG. 77 is a view of a of FIG. 76;

FIG. 78 is a view at b of FIG. 76;

FIG. 79 is a view at c of FIG. 76;

FIG. 80 is a view at d of FIG. 76;

FIG. 81 is a lateral elevation of a phacoemulsification needle having an asymmetric needle body;

FIG. 82 is a sectional view of the needle of FIG. 81;

FIG. 83 is a lateral elevation of a phacoemulsification needle having an enlarged distal needle body portion;

FIG. 84 is a sectional view of the needle of FIG. 83;

FIG. 85 is a lateral elevation of a phacoemulsification needle having an asymmetrical weight affixed to the needle body portion;

FIG. 86 is a sectional view of the needle of FIG. 85;

FIG. 87 is a lateral elevation of a phacoemulsification needle having a symmetrical weight affixed to the needle body portion; and

FIG. 88 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the needle of FIG. 87;

FIG. 89 is a lateral view of a portion of a phacoemulsification needle having a twisted tip;

FIG. 90 is a view along 90-90 of FIG. 89; and

FIG. 91 is a view along 91-91 of FIG. 89.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, the numeral 10 indicates generally a prior art phacoemulsification needle tip as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,555 (Devine), entitled “Ultrasonic Needle for Surgical Emulsification”, issued Dec. 28, 1999. Needle 10 is straight and terminates in an unflared mouth 12 defined by a lip 14 at the end of needle body 16, with lip 14 and needle body 16 formed as having an oval cross-section configuration.

Referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 18 indicates generally a prior art straight, unflared phacoemulsification needle tip from U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,555, having a mouth 20 defined by a lip 22 at the end of needle 24. The cross-sectional configuration of needle 18 and mouth 20 is a rectangle.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the numeral 26 identifies several prior art straight phacoemulsification needles as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,495, with needle 28 having a circular cross-section as shown at 30, needle 32 having a triangular cross-section as shown at 34 and needle 36 having an octagonal cross-section as shown at 38. As seen at 30, 34 and 38 of FIG. 2, needles 28, 32 and 36 have exterior shapes or cross-sections identical to the shape and cross-section of the aspiration passageways formed therethrough.

Both tips 10 and 18 in FIG. 1 exemplify one form of a “straight” needle tip, that is, a tip that is coaxial with or centered on the hollow aspiration passageway formed through the needle body and which have no flare or enlargement at the tip. Other straight tips are known which have needle tips that are flared, or larger in cross-sectional area than the needle's aspiration passageway yet which are centered on the passageway.

Phacoemulsification needles are sometimes referred to as “tips”. Our use of the term “tip” throughout refers to that end of the needle intended to be inserted into the eye. The remaining portion of the phacoemulsification needle will generally be referred to as the needle body.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the numeral 40 indicates generally a phacoemulsification needle having a flared needle tip 42 larger in cross-section than and formed integrally with a distal end of a hollow needle body 44. At a proximal end thereof, needle body 44 has a needle end 46 which terminates in a mount 48 which allows needle 40 to be attached to a phacoemulsification handpiece. Commonly, mount 48 is threaded and screws onto a phacoemulsification handpiece. In the example shown, needle body 44 has a square cross-section with a longitudinally-extending central axis 50.

Referring now to FIG. 5, needle 40 is shown in lateral cross-section, illustrating the communication of aspiration passageway 6 with tip 42.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an enlarged detail of tip 42 is shown. As seen in both FIGS. 5 and 6, tip 42 has a mouth 52 defined by a lip 54 which, as shown in FIG. 3, is formed at an angle 146 to axis 50. The angle shown is one of choice: lip 54 can also be formed perpendicular to axis 50 or formed in any number of other configurations corresponding generally to the configurations of known straight tips presently used with longitudinally-vibrating hand pieces.

As viewed in FIG. 5, tip 52 has a lead portion 56 and a trailing portion 58, with lead portion 56 being that part of lip 54 that extends longitudinally forward past trailing portion 58, while trailing portion 58 is that part of lip 54 that extends the least distance forward. In the example shown in FIG. 5, trailing portion 58 is substantially co-linear with the outer surface 60 of needle body 44, while lead portion 56 is offset by a distance 62 from the outer surface 60 of needle body 44. The effect of forming lip 54 at the angle shown is to place lead portion 56 at the farthest point from needle body axis 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an aspiration passageway 64 of needle body 44 is shown centered on axis 50. Tip mouth 52 is shown defined by lip 54 with lead point 56 and trailing point 58. In the example shown, tip 42 has its own tip axis 66 extending therethrough. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, in this example, axes 50 and 66 do not coincide but are offset by a distance 68. As also seen in FIG. 6, the cross-sectional area of tip 42 is larger than the cross-sectional area of needle body 44 when viewed in a plane perpendicular to axis 50.

In a preferred example needle body 44 is 1.0 mm in exterior diameter with a wall thickness of 0.10 mm, leaving an interior diameter of 0.80 mm. Tip 42 has an exterior diameter of 1.10 mm and a wall thickness of 0.10 mm. The lateral distance from the point at which tip 42 begins to enlarge outward from needle body 44 to lead point 56 is 1.80 mm, while offset distance 62 is 0.30 mm.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a second example of a needle tip formed on needle 40 is shown. Needle tip 70 is square in cross-sectional shape and is formed integrally with a hollow needle body 72. In the example shown, needle body 72 has a circular cross-section with a longitudinally-extending central axis 74.

Referring to FIG. 7, an enlarged detail of tip 70 is shown. As seen in both FIGS. 7 and 8, tip 70 has a mouth defined by a lip 78 which, in the example shown in FIG. 7, is formed at an angle 148 to axis 74. The angle shown is one of choice: lip 78 can also be formed perpendicular to axis 74 or any number of other configurations corresponding generally to the configurations of known straight tips presently used with longitudinally-vibrating hand pieces.

As viewed in FIG. 7, tip 70 has a lead lip portion 80 and a trailing lip portion 82, with lead portion 80 being that part of lip 78 that extends longitudinally past trailing portion 82, while trailing portion 82 is that part of lip 78 that extends the least distance longitudinally forward. In the example shown in FIG. 7, trailing lip portion 82 is substantially co-linear with the outer surface 84 of needle body 72, while lead lip portion 80 is offset by a distance 86 from the outer surface 84 of needle body 72. The effect of forming lip 78 at angle 148 is to place lead lip portion 80 farthest from needle body axis 74.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the interior of needle body 72 is shown. Needle body 72 has a central aspiration passageway 76 extending therethrough, centered on axis 74. In the example shown, tip 70 has its own central axis 88, which, as seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 is offset from needle body axis 74 by a distance 90. As also seen in FIG. 8, the cross-sectional area of tip 70 is greater than the cross-sectional area of needle body 72 when viewed in a plane perpendicular to axis 74.

Referring now to FIG. 9 the numeral 92 identifies a phacoemulsification needle constructed substantially as described with respect to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6. Needle 92 has a tip 94 formed with a circular cross-section and integral with needle body 96. Needle body 96 has a central axis 98.

Tip 92 has a square mouth 100 which, in this example, is formed at an angle 102 to axis 98. In this example, angle 102 is measured 30° in a direction opposite to that of angle 146 of mouth 52 as shown in FIG. 3. This angle is a matter of choice and other angles can be used as well. In this configuration, tip 94 has a lead point 104 and a trailing point 106, corresponding in description to points 56, 58 described above. In this example, lead point 104 is collinear with outer surface 108 of needle body 96 while trailing point 106 is offset from outer surface 110 by a distance 112.

Referring now to FIG. 10 the numeral 114 identifies a phacoemulsification needle constructed substantially as described with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8. Needle 114 has a tip 116 formed with a circular cross-section and integral with needle body 118. Needle body 118 has a central axis 120.

Tip 116 has a circular mouth 122 which, in this example, is formed at an angle 124 to axis 120. In this example, angle 124 is measured 30° in a direction opposite to that of angle 148 of mouth 74 as shown in FIG. 6. In this configuration, tip 114 has a lead lip portion 126 and a trailing lip portion 128, corresponding in description to lip portions 80, 82 described above. In this example, lead lip portion 126 includes a portion of outer surface 130 of needle body 118 while trailing lip portion 128 is offset from outer surface 130 by a distance 132.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view of needle 40 is shown, with needle body 42 terminating at one end at tip 42 and at the other end at threaded mount 48. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of tip 42 showing the square configuration of lip 54, leading and trailing portions 56, 58. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of tip 42 showing mouth 52, lip 54 and needle body 44.

The efficacy of having the tip axes in each of the foregoing examples be non-coincident with, or offset from, the needle body axes is demonstrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Using a circular tip as an example, the numeral 134 in FIG. 11 identifies a prior art straight phacoemulsification tip having a circular cross-section defined by mouth 136 integral with and extending from needle body 138. Hollow needle body 138 has a central, longitudinally-extending axis 140. The geometry of tip 134 is such that axis 140 is also a central, longitudinally-extending axis for tip 134. When needle body 138 with tip 134 is attached to a phacoemulsification handpiece that produces torsional motion about axis 140 the pattern of vibration is generally as shown in FIG. 14, with tip 134 exhibiting little side-to-side or eccentric motion. In other words, lip 136 tends to move in a generally uniform motion about axis 140.

Referring now to FIG. 15, tip 70 of FIG. 8 is shown, with circular lip 78 and needle body 72 having needle body axis 74 and tip axis 88. When tip 70 is subjected to torsional or longitudinal motion, lip 78 moves eccentrically, or“wobbles”, in part because tip 70's rotation is not centered on tip axis 88. This produces movement of lip 78 shown by paths 142 and 144, creating an enhanced cutting or emulsifying effect on the tissue contacted by tip 70. Thus, a straight phacoemulsification needle with a flared tip can be used with torsional or longitudinal motion.

The “wobble” effect can be altered by changing the offset distance between the tip axis and the needle body axis, and by changing the geometry of the tip, by using different cross-sectional shapes such as triangular or polygonal.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the numeral 150 identifies a phacoemulsification tip having a triangular cross-sectional configuration terminating at a lip 152 and communicating with a needle aspiration passageway 154 having an axis 156. Tip 150 has a central tip axis 158 offset from axis 156 by an offset distance 160.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the numeral 162 identifies a phacoemulsification tip having a pentagonal cross-section terminating at a lip 164. Tip 162 communicates with a needle aspiration passageway 166 proximate apex 168. Passageway 166 has a central axis 170 and tip 162 has a central axis 172 offset from axis 170 by an offset distance 174.

Referring now to FIG. 18, the numeral 176 identifies a phacoemulsification tip having a pentagonal cross-sectional shape terminating in a lip 178. A needle aspiration passageway 180 extends to tip 176 proximate tip wall 182. Passageway 180 has a central axis 184 while tip 176 has a central axis 186 offset from axis 184 by offset distance 188.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the numeral 190 identifies a phacoemulsification tip having a square cross-sectional shape terminating in a lip 192. A needle aspiration passageway 194 is formed proximate apex 196 of tip 192. Passageway 194 has a central axis 198 while tip 190 has a central axis 200 offset from axis 198 by an offset distance 202.

Phacoemulsification tips may also be formed on needle bodies that are non-circular in cross-section.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the numeral 204 identifies a phacoemulsification tip having a square cross-sectional shape terminating in a lip 206. Tip 204 extends from a needle body 208 having a circular cross-sectional shape. Needle body 208 has an oval-shaped needle aspiration passage 210 having a central axis 212 while tip 204 has a central axis 214 offset from axis 212 by an offset distance 216.

The foregoing examples have shown tips with flared shapes, that is, tips with cross-sectional shapes that are larger in size than the cross sectional shape of the needle body. Similar results are predicted for certain phacoemulsification needles with no flared tip that is the terminus of the needle is the same cross-sectional shape as the needle body.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the numeral 218 identifies a straight phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 220 through which an aspiration passageway 222 is formed. As shown in FIG. 22, passageway 222 has an oval cross-sectional shape and has a central axis 224. Needle body 220 has a central axis 226 offset from passageway axis 224 by an offset distance 228.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a straight phacoemulsification needle 230 has a needle body 232 formed with an oval cross-section. As shown in FIG. 24 an aspiration passageway 234 is formed through needle body 232 and in the embodiment shown has a circular cross-section. Passageway 234 has a central axis 236 and needle body 232 has a central axis 238 offset from axis 236 by an offset distance 240.

While the needle bodies referred to in the foregoing examples have been referred to as circular in cross-section it should be understood that different cross-sectional shapes can also be used.

The foregoing examples have demonstrated round and square eccentric tips. Other tip cross-sectional shapes can also be used and the tips can be made with various orientations. For example, tip 70 can be rotated around tip axis 92 to create a different orientation. It is expected that the wobble effect will be manifested when the axis of the tip is offset from the axis of the needle body no matter what configuration is used.

Lips such as those shown at 50 and at 78 may also be polished to a smooth finish to add a protective feature. Phacoemulsification efficacy may also be enhanced by roughening a portion of the outer surface of the tips herein detailed.

Offsetting the tip of an angled phacoemulsification needle tip increases efficiency as compared to a symmetrically fashioned tip. Phacoemulsification needles having flared tips that are angled with respect to the needle body are known in the art. Heretofore, such tips have been formed such that the bent portion of the needle body met the flared tip such that the tip was symmetrical about the needle body.

Referring now to FIG. 25 the numeral 240 identifies a portion of a phacoemulsification needle which includes a tip 242 and a needle body 244. Needle body 244 has a longitudinal axis 246 and an aspiration passageway 248 extending along its length. Tip 242 has an axis 250 that is centered on the tip opening 252. In this example, the tip has a square cross-section.

A bend 254 is formed on needle body 244 and, as shown in FIG. 25, tip 242 is formed with a first wall portion 256 that is coextensive with bend 254 and first needle body portion 258. Tip 242 has a second wall portion 260 that is offset from bend 254 and needle body portion 262. Secondary needle body axis 248′ is shown as positioned the same distance 262 from first wall portion 256 as the distance 264 axis 248 is positioned from first needle body portion 258.

Referring now to FIG. 26, an end view of tip 242 is shown takes as a view perpendicular to line 26-26 of FIG. 5. Axes 248′ and 250 are shown to offset one from the other by a distance 266. This offset increases the eccentric motion exhibited by tip 242 and makes phacoemulsification more efficient.

The safety and efficiency of phacoemulsification tips embodying the foregoing aspects of the present invention are enhanced when the inner and outer surfaces of the phacoemulsification tip is roughened, as by sandblasting, and where the lip of the tip mouth is polished to round the lip and remove burrs which can damage delicate tissue in the eye, such as the posterior capsule, which may be contacted by the needle tip during phaco.

The square tip 70 shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 is exemplary of the type of surfaces to which the roughening process is applied.

As seen in FIG. 12, tip 70 has an upper face 284, a left lateral face 286, a lower face 288 and a right lateral face 290. The identifiers “left” and “right” are used here to designate those faces as seen by one viewing FIG. 12. As can be appreciated, tip 70 has four external faces, all of which are roughened, beginning at and extending away from lip 78.

As further seen in FIG. 12, tip 70 has an inner tip surface 292 extending rearward toward needle body 72 and aspiration passageway 64. It is a feature of the present invention that the inner tip surface 292 is also roughened, as by sandblasting. The inner and outer surfaces of tip 70 are modified by roughening to create an uneven geometry providing numerous projections which are engaged by the tissue being emulsified as tip 70 is driven in its eccentric, or “wobble” motion.

It is another feature of the present invention to enhance the safety of the tips described herein by highly polishing the lip of each. Referring to FIG. 27 the numeral 294 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a flared tip 296 terminating at a lip 298. In the example shown, tip 296 has a circular cross-section but the following description applies to the various tips of varying geometry described herein. Tip 296 is intended to be representative of phacoemulsification tips as customarily manufactured. Tip 296 is shown in a magnified view.

A portion of lip 298 is seen in FIG. 28 in a more highly magnified view. The surface 300 of lip 298 is seen to meet tip 296 at substantially a right angle, forming a roughened edge 302. The same configuration creates a roughened edge 304, formed where lip surface 300 and tip inner surface 306 meet. Tip surface 300 is also characterized by upstanding ridges such as those identified by the numeral 308.

Edges 302 and 304, and ridges 308 are somewhat analogous to the “flashing” or “burrs” created when metallic workpieces are cut or severed. Because of the relatively thin metallic material from which phacoemulsification needles are formed, such edges and ridges are themselves thin and sharp, certainly sharp enough to snag corneal tissue when a phacoemulsification needle isn inserted through a corneal incision. They are also sharp enough to damage delicate eye tissue, such as the posterior capsule, if the needle tip is brought into contact with the capsule during surgery.

I have determined that a process of rounding and highly polishing and smoothing the lips of phacoemulsification needle tips of the type described herein reduces the likelihood that delicate eye tissue will be damaged during phaco, particularly if the needle is being sued with a handpiece that produces torsional or elliptical motion.

Referring now to FIG. 29 the numeral 310 identifies the outer surface of tip 296 after a roughening procedure has been performed. As can be seen, surface 310 is “pitted” to create a much larger surface area for contact with tissue to be phacoemulsified.

FIG. 29 also shows a portion 312 of lip 298 after polishing. Lip surface 314 now meets outer surface 310 at a rounded edge 316, much smoother and snag-free than the roughened edge 302 shown in FIG. 28.

In like fashion, a portion of inner surface 318 of tip 296 is shown after a roughening procedure has been performed. FIG. 30 also shows a portion 320 of lip 298 after polishing. Lip surface 322 now meets inner surface 318 at a rounded edge 324, much smoother and snag-free than the roughened edge 304 shown in FIG. 28.

The elements of surface finish are described by Quality Magazine (http://www.qualitymag.com/Archives/eacd74ce57c38010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0_) as form, waviness and roughness. These elements, as they are present in the surface finish on the lips of the needles described herein, are rounded and smoothed to a degree sufficient to avoid the snagging of the tip on tissue in the eye, particularly the tissue through which the corneal incision is made and the tissue forming the capsular bag.

While the roughening procedure has been preferably described as sandblasting, other types of operations to create a controlledly roughened surface may also be used. In like fashion, other forms of polishing or smoothing devices and procedures can also be used to satisfactorily prepare the lip of each such phacoemulsification needle tip.

Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, the numeral 270 identifies generally a lens nucleus undergoing phacoemulsification using a conventional phacoemulsification handpiece imparting only longitudinal motion to straight phacoemulsification needle 272. As described previously, in longitudinal phacoemulsification a needle such as 272 is alternately moved in forward and reverse directions at high speed. Phacoemulsification is more efficient when needle 272 is in contact with nucleus 270, particularly with traditional longitudinal phaco, because, as seen in FIG. 31, the cutting of nucleus 270 occurs when needle 272 moves forward to contact nucleus 270. When the needle is drawn in the reverse direction it tends to lose contact with nucleus 272, creating a gap 274.

This procedure has several readily noticeable consequences. The forward motion and subsequent contact of needle 272 with nucleus 270 can repulse nucleus 270 and also the fragments into which nucleus 270 is cut, making more difficult and time-consuming the collection of the fragments through aspiration passageway 276.

During phaco, a viscoelastic support gel is injected into the lens capsule and the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye. One example of such a gel is Staarvisc® II, manufactured by Staar Surgical Company of Monrovia, Calif. Presence of a gel in the lens capsule helps support and protect the thin walls of the capsule. Using gel in the posterior chamber helps protect the delicate endothelial cells which, if damaged, do not regenerate. During surgery, movement of the gel is readily noticeable when needles such as needle 272 are vibrating. In particular, it can be seen that the gel present in the posterior chamber of the eye is moved or agitated even though needle 272 is within the lens capsule.

As a general rule, the longer a phacoemulsification procedure lasts the more energy is expended and the more heat is produced by the ultrasound energy imparted to the needle. More efficient phacoemulsification is accomplished when the lens is fragmented more quickly, the fragmented lens particles are aspirated more quickly and cleanly and less heat is produced. As previously described, one measure of efficiency is the total dissipated energy: less energy is used if the procedure is shorter and one of the ways the procedure can be shortened is to make aspiration more effective. Another measure of efficiency is to observe such occurrences as the uninterrupted aspiration of particles and the “quietness” of the operating environment, meaning the relative lack of turbulence observed in the supporting gel, both in the lens capsule and the posterior chamber. This lack of turbulence can be quite important when, for example, a surgeon is required to use a less than optimal support material, one that may be more susceptible to breakdown during high speed vibration. One such substance is methyl cellulose which is not as viscous or cohesive as a gel such as Staarvisc® II.

Preliminary clinical observations have confirmed that the use of an off-axis phacoemulsification needle with a handpiece producing longitudinal motion results in significantly more efficient phaco. Operation times have been shorter, dissipated energy levels have been lower and the operating environment has been observed to be quieter, with much less agitation of the supporting gel and much less repulsion of the fragmented lens particles. This has resulted in markedly “clear” phacoemulsification results, meaning that the capsule is clearer of unaspirated particles and the supporting gel has provided better protection to the capsule and the endothelial cells.

An ultrasonic handpiece providing longitudinal and torsional motion to a phacoemulsification needle is described in United States Patent Publication 2006/0036180 (Boukhny, et al.), entitled “Ultrasonic Handpiece”. As the application states, the two modes cannot be activated simultaneously: the handpiece is switchable between the torsional and longitudinal modes. A computer-controlled console allows the surgeon to select alternating time periods for torsional and longitudinal motion, resulting in an effective “blended” motion. The characteristic of such a blended motion are altered when the time periods are altered. For example, a different cutting action and cutting characteristics will result when torsional motion comprises 50 percent of the operating time than when it comprises 75 percent.

A phacoemulsification control system described in United States Patent Publication 2008/0294087 (Steen, et al.), assigned to Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. of Santa Ana, Calif. describes a system that imparts a longitudinal motion and lateral motion to the needle by forming the needle with an asymmetric needle mount. Such an arrangement is believed to exhibit certain characteristics of traditional longitudinal phaco, such as the tendency for the needle to lose frontal contact with the nucleus when the needle is moved away from the nucleus, the repulsion of nuclear particles and the tendency to transmit energy to agitate the viscoelastic gel inserted into the eye.

Combining an off-axis tip with a handpiece utilizing longitudinal motion appears to create a hybrid type of tip activity that exhibits some of the characteristics of this blended motion yet exhibits marked improvements in efficiency over systems which utilize modifications to longitudinal handpieces to achieve blended motion.

A phacoemulsification needle having an off-axis construction is mounted to a phacoemulsification handpiece capable of producing longitudinal motion. The geometry of the needle can include needle bodies with centered or off-axis aspiration passageways, needle bodies with centered or off-axis aspiration passageways having different cross-sectional shapes than the needle bodies, with such needles having straight or angled needle tips formed off-axis to the needle body aspiration passageway, with such tips being flared or unflared.

Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34 the numeral 278 identifies a phacoemulsification needle constructed and moved in accordance with the invention described above. FIG. 33 illustrates a straight, unflared needle 278 as it is being moved in the forward direction during longitudinal motion, showing the tip embedded in nucleus 280 with the tip mouth 282 in contact with nucleus 280. FIG. 34 illustrates needle 278 in a rearward direction during longitudinal phaco. As seen herein, tip mouth 282 remains in contact with nucleus 280. It is believed that the hybrid motion created by combining longitudinal motion of the needle with an off-axis needle or tip allow the aspiration suction to keep tip mouth 282 in contact with nucleus 280, greatly reducing repulsion of the nucleus and making aspiration more efficient.

With repulsion reduced the surgeon spends less time “chasing” emulsified lens particles with the tip mouth in order to ultimately aspirate them. Reduced agitation of the gel helps to protect the eye and preserve the field of vision. Phacoemulsification is thus quieter, more efficient and less expensive for the surgeon.

Referring now to FIG. 36, the numeral 284 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 286 and a flared tip portion 288. Needle body 286 has a central axis 290 extending therethrough. When the term “central axis” is used, it refers to an axis that is a locus of points about which the outer dimensions of the needle body are symmetrical. An aspiration passageway 292 is formed through needle body 286 and communicates with tip 288. Aspiration passageway 292 has a central axis 294 extending therethrough, and as seen in FIG. 35, axes 290, 294 meet at an angle and are not coincident, meaning that aspiration passageway 292 is said to be angled with respect to needle body 286.

Referring to FIG. 36, the numeral 296 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 298 which terminates at an unflared tip portion 300. Needle body 298 has a needle body axis 302 extending centrally therethrough. An aspiration passageway 304 is formed at an angle within needle body 298 and extending through tip 300 with aspiration passageway axis 306 meeting axis 302 at an angle.

Referring now to FIG. 37, the numeral 308 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 310 terminating at a flared, offset tip 312. Needle body 310 has a central axis 314. An angled aspiration passageway 316 is formed through needle body 310 and terminates at tip 312. Aspiration passageway 316 has a central axis 318 of which meets axis 314 at an angle.

In this embodiment, the “wobble” effect is produced by both the angled aspiration passageway 316 and the offset tip 312.

Referring now to FIG. 38, the numeral 320 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 322 and a flared asymmetrical tip 324. Tip 324 has an outer wall 326 and an inner wall 328 as seen in FIG. 39, the distance between outer wall 326 and inner wall 328 varies about the inner circumference of tip 324. In this embodiment, lower wall portion 330 is at a maximum thickness and tapers upwardly so that wall portion 332 positioned 180 degrees from lower wall portion 330 is at a minimum thickness.

As further seen in FIG. 38, a land or offset 334 is also formed with a tip 320 creating another area of non-uniform distribution of tip mass.

Referring now to FIG. 40, the numeral 336 having a needle body 338 and a flared asymmetric tip 340. As described in connection with FIG. 38, tip 336 has an outer wall 342 and an inner wall 344, and the distance between inner and outer wall 342, 344 varies around the circumference of tip 336. As seen in FIG. 40, the lowermost wall portion 346 is greater in dimension than upper wall portion 348.

A lip cutout 350 is formed in lower wall portion 346 which, as seen in FIGS. 40 and 41 increases the non-uniform distribution of tip mass.

Referring to FIG. 42, the numeral 352 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 354 and a flared asymmetrical tip 356. As seen in FIG. 43, tip 354 has a square cross sectional shape. Tip 352 has a outer wall 358 and an inner wall 360 configured as described above in connection with FIGS. 38 and 40 to create a lower wall section 362 of significantly greater thickness than upper wall portion 364. A land or offset 366 is formed in lower wall portion 362 which adds to the non-uniformity of the tip mass distribution. In this embodiment, aspiration passage 364 has a central axis 366 that is offset from central tip axis 368 by an offset distance 370.

Referring now to FIG. 44, the numeral 372 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a body 374 and a flared asymmetrical tip 376. As described above, tip 376 is formed with an outer wall 378 and an inner wall 380 to form a lower wall portion 382 of significantly greater thickness than upper wall 384. A land or offset 386 is formed in lower wall portion 382. As seen in FIG. 45, tip 376 is rectangular in cross-sectional shape and in this embodiment, aspiration passageway 388 has a central axis 390 which is offset from central tip axis 392 by an offset 394. Referring now to FIG. 46, the numeral 396 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 398 and a flared symmetrical tip 400 formed with a front bevel 402. As seen in FIG. 47, tip 400 has a round cross-sectional shape.

As previously discussed, tip 400 has a lower wall portion 404 of significantly greater thickness than upper wall portion 406 and a land or offset 408 formed in lower wall portion 404. As seen in FIG. 47, although tip 400 is symmetrically shaped and centered on aspiration passageway 410, it is still constructed with a non-uniform distribution of tip mass that provides the desired wobble effect.

Referring now to FIG. 48, the numeral 412 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 414 and a flared tip 416. As seen in FIG. 49, tip 416 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. As seen in FIG. 48, tip 416 is formed with a lower wall portion 418 that is substantially thicker than upper wall portion 420. In the embodiment shown, as shown in FIG. 49, lower wall portion 418 is of a substantially thicker construction while sidewall portions 422, 424 are substantially identical in thickness to upper wall portion 420. In this embodiment, aspiration passageway 426 has a central axis 428 which is offset from central axis 430 of tip 416 by an offset distance 432. An offset 434 is formed in lower wall portion 418 to create a more pronounced non-uniformity of tip mass distribution.

Referring now to FIG. 50 the numeral 436 identifies a phacoemulsification needle constructed in accordance with the above description for FIGS. 48 and 49. In this embodiment, tip 438 is offset to place aspiration passageway 426 closer to lower wall portion 418, creating an offset 440.

Referring now to FIG. 51, the numeral 442 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a rectangular tip constructed in accordance with the descriptions accompanying FIG. 45. In this embodiment, aspiration passageway 446 is positioned closer to lower wall portion 448 to produce an alternate offset to that shown in FIG. 45.

Referring now to FIG. 52, the numeral identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a tip 452 with a square cross-section constructed in accordance with the descriptions accompanying FIG. 43. In this embodiment aspiration passageway 454 is shown in an alternate position closer to lower wall portion 456.

Referring now to FIG. 53, the numeral 458 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 460 and a flared tip 462. As seen in FIGS. 53 and 54, inner wall 464 of tip 462 is formed in a “scalloped” shape with a “peak” 466 creating a somewhat upside-down apple-shaped cross-sectional shape, thus enhancing the non-uniform distribution of tip mass.

Referring now to FIG. 55, the numeral 468 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 470 and a tip 472, with an outer wall 474. In this embodiment, non-uniform tip mass distribution is created by the formation of one or more protuberances, or“bumps” 476 on outer wall 474. FIG. 56 shows the positioning of a single bump 476. If more than a single bump is formed, it is preferable that the pattern of bumps be on-symmetrical to maximize the wobble effect.

It should be understood that although the embodiments shown depict specific wall configurations the invention should not be so limited. Selected walls or wall portions of the phacoemulsification needle can be manufactured to various thicknesses to produce the non-uniform distribution of needle mass described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 57, the numeral 478 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 480 terminating in a non-flared tip 482. In this embodiment, tip 482 has a beveled lip 484. As seen in FIG. 57, a bump 486 is formed on tip 482 on that portion of tip wall 488 coextensive with the leading edge 490 of beveled lip 484. This same embodiment si shown in FIG. 58, although it should be understood that the placement of bump 486 or others like it can be made in a number of different locations and configurations.

Referring now to FIG. 59, the numeral 492 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 494 and a flared, symmetrical needle tip 496 having a beveled lip 498. A bump 500 is formed on outer tip wall 502 as described above. Bump 500 is also seen in FIG. 60.

Creating tip mass non-uniformity can also be accomplished by forming inwardly-extending projections as well. Referring now to FIG. 61, the numeral 504 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 506 and a flared tip 508. Wall 510 of tip 508 has formed therein an inwardly-extending ridge portion 512 proximate beveled lip 514. As seen in FIGS. 61 and 62, ridge portion 512 has an inwardly extending portion 516, a depending portion 518, a pair of opposed side portions 520 and 522 and a lower portion 524.

Non-uniform distribution of mass in a phaco tip can also be achieved while keeping a typical tip construction. Referring now to FIG. 63, the numeral 526 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having tip wall segments 528 and 530, joined together at longitudinally-extending seams 532 and 534. In the embodiment shown, wall segment 528 is formed from a material having a density differing from that of wall segment 530. For example, wall segment 528 can be formed from gold, while segment 530 can be formed from titanium. Even though a symmetrical needle design has been selected, the weights of segments 528 and 534 differ sufficiently to produce a wobble effect when needle 526 is vibrated.

Referring now to FIGS. 64 and 65, the numeral 536 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having an outer wall 538 formed from a first selected material. A plug 540, formed from a second material, is fit into a previously-formed aperture in wall 538. The densities of said first and second materials differ sufficiently to produce a non-uniform material distribution of mass sufficient to produce a wobble effect when needle 536 is vibrated.

FIG. 66 is a partial side sectional view showing the insertion of plug 540 through sidewall 538.

Referring now to FIGS. 67 and 68, the numeral 542 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 544 and a flared tip 546 formed from a first material. An insert strip 548 formed from a second materia is secured within a previously-formed slot in sidewall 550 of tip 546. Needle body 544 and insert strip 548 are of sufficiently different densities to produce a non-uniform material distribution of mass sufficient to produce a wobble effect when needle 546 is vibrated.

Referring now to FIG. 69 the numeral 552 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 554 and a needle tip 556. An aperture 558 is shown having been formed in sidewall 560.

Referring now to FIG. 70 the numeral 562 identifies a block of material with a different density than that of the material forming tip 556. A plug 564 is shown being punched out from block 562, sized and shaped to be press-fit into aperture 558 to form the tip described above with respect to FIGS. 64 and 65.

Although the plugs and strips described above have been shown to have specific shapes these shapes are exemplary only. Other shapes can be selected depending upon the desired geometry and operating characteristics of the needle being designed. Combinations of more than two desired materials can also be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 71 through 80, variations of phacoemulsification needles and tips are shown embodying the principles of the present invention by forming thereon non-uniform or skewed bevels and ridges to produce a desired wobble motion.

Referring now to FIG. 71, the numeral 566 identifies a phacoemulsification needle tip having a square cross-sectional shape with a lip 568 defining a tip mouth 570. Tip 566 has a first side 572, a second side 584, a third side 586 and a fourth side 588.

In FIG. 72, side 572 is shown. As seen in FIG. 72, lip 568 is beveled so that viewed from direction a it appears to be slanted. A skewed ridge 580 is formed on side 572 and can be formed either on interior wall 582 or exterior wall 584 of tip 566.

Referring now to FIG. 73, side 574 is shown, with lip 568 seen as extending straight across. Ridge 586 extends across either interior surface 582 or outer surface 584.

Referring now to FIG. 74, side 576 is shown, with lip 568 seen as sloping downward from left to right. Ridge 588 extends across either interior surface 582 or outer surface 584.

Referring now to FIG. 75, side 578 is shown, with lip 568 seen as extending straight across. Ridge 590 extends across either interior surface 582 or outer surface 584.

Referring now to FIG. 76, the numeral 592 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a round cross-sectional shape having exterior wall segments 594, 596, 598 and 600. For purposes of this description we shall assume that each wall segment is one-fourth of the total circumference of tip 592.

Outer and inner sidewalls 602, 604 define a lip 606 which, in turn, defines a tip mouth 608.

In FIG. 77, side portion 594 is shown. As seen in FIG. 77, lip 606 is beveled so that viewed from direction a it appears to be slanted. A skewed ridge 610 is formed on side portion and can be formed either on interior wall 602 or exterior wall 604 of tip 592.

Referring now to FIG. 78, side portion 596 is shown, with lip 606 seen as curving straight across. Skewed ridge 612 can be formed either on interior wall 602 or exterior wall 604 of tip 592.

Referring now to FIG. 79, side portion 598 is shown, with lip 606 seen as sloping downward from left to right. Skewed ridge 614 can be formed either on interior wall 602 or exterior wall 604 of tip 592.

Referring now to FIG. 80, side portion 600 is shown, with lip 606 seen as curving from left to right. Skewed ridge 616 can be formed either on interior wall 602 or exterior wall 604 of tip 592.

Referring now to FIG. 81, the numeral 616 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 618 and an extended asymmetric tip 620. Lengthening tip 620 creates a longitudinal non-uniformity of needle mass as well as the non-uniformity inherent in the asymmetric configuration of tip 620. As seen in FIG. 82, it is the ratio of distance a (the effective length of tip 620) to the distance b (the effective length of needle body 618) that will determine the extent of the wobble motion imparted to needle 616.

Referring to FIG. 83 the numeral 622 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 624 and an extended needle tip 626. In the embodiment shown needle tip 626 is symmetrical, yet it is expected that the extended length of tip 626 will produce a wobble motion when needle 622 is vibrated. Referring to FIG. 84 it is the ratio of distance a (the effective length of tip 626) to the distance b (the effective length of needle body 624) that will determine the extent of the wobble motion imparted to needle 616.

Referring now to FIG. 85 the numeral 628 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 630 with a needle mount 632 at its proximal end and a needle tip 634 at its distal end. A wobble motion is imparted by the attachment of an asymmetrical weight 636 on needle body 630 intermediate mount 632 and tip 634 and the vibration of needle 628 by a selected handpiece. In the embodiment shown, weight 636 is asymmetrical relative to needle body 630, meaning that the distribution of the mass of weight 636 is non-uniform about the needle body axis 638.

As seen in both FIGS. 85 and 86 at least a portion of weight 636 extends outward from the outer surface 640 of needle body 630. One or more grooves 642 may be formed in weight 636 to act as channels for the flow of irrigating liquid through an irrigation sleeve (not shown) mounted to needle 628.

Weight 636 may be integrally formed with needle body 630 or may be attached thereto. If attached, weight 636 may be formed from material having a different density than that used to form needle 628, adding to the wobble effect.

As seen in FIG. 86 the placement of weight 636 along needle body 630 may be varied, with the distances a and b selected to create a desired amount and character of wobble.

Referring now to FIG. 87 the numeral 644 identifies a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 646 with a needle mount 648 at its proximal end and a needle tip 650 at its distal end. A wobble motion is imparted by the attachment of a symmetrical weight 652 on needle body 646 intermediate mount 648 and tip 650 and the vibration of needle 644 by a selected handpiece. In the embodiment shown, weight 652 is symmetrical relative to needle body 646, meaning that the distribution of the mass of weight 652 is uniform about the needle body axis 654. In this embodiment it is the non-uniformity of mass along axis 654 that creates the wobble effect.

As seen in both FIGS. 87 and 88 at least a portion of weight 652 extends outward from the outer surface 656 of needle body 646. One or more grooves 658 may be formed in weight 652 to act as channels for the flow of irrigating liquid through an irrigation sleeve (not shown) mounted to needle 644.

Weight 652 may be integrally formed with needle body 646 or may be attached thereto. If attached, weight 652 may be formed from material having a different density than that used to form needle 644, adding to the wobble effect.

As seen in FIG. 88 the placement of weight 652 along needle body 646 may be varied, with the distances a and b selected to create a desired amount and character of wobble.

While weights 636 and 652 are shown in a selected position it is a feature of the present invention that such weights can be moved along the needle body to adjust the character of the wobble. For example, as seen in FIGS. 87 and 88 a series of grooves or detents can be formed along needle body 646. As seen in FIG. 88, a corresponding ring or peg 662 can be formed on weight 652 positioned and sized to register with selected of said detents, such as detent 664. Other methods of positioning and securing weight 652 along needle body 646 can also be used. Weight 652 can then be positioned as desired along needle body 646 to adjust the vibrational characteristics of the needle.

While the embodiments illustrate weights 636, 652 in a selected shape it should be understood that said weights can be formed in a variety of cross-sectional and longitudinal configurations, such as square, triangular, oval and irregular shapes as well.

It is also contemplated that the surfaces of weights 636 and 652 may be fluted to provide flow paths for the irrigating liquid.

Another embodiment of the present invention creates the wobble effect by putting one or more twists into the phacoemulsification needle tip creating a somewhat fluted configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 89, the numeral 666 identifies a portion of a phacoemulsification needle having a needle body 668 and a flared needle tip 670. For the purposes of this description, tip 670 is illustrated as having a square cross-section. During the manufacturing process, tip 670 is twisted such that the section identified at 90-90 of FIG. 89 is turned to a position approximately 90 degrees from that of the section identified by 91-91 of FIG. 89.

Referring to FIG. 90, tip 670 is viewed from 90-90 of FIG. 89 showing that the first portion 672 of tip 666 is rotated approximately 90 degrees with reference to rearmost section 674.

Referring now to FIG. 91, tip 666 is viewed from 91-91 of FIG. 89 showing that the remaining portion of tip 670 is not twisted.

While the foregoing examples have used a flared tip with a square cross-section and a single twist, it contemplated that other cross-sectional shapes can be used as well and it is also contemplated that the number of twists can be varied, as can be the rotation of each twist. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 89, lead section 672 may have been twisted to an angle of 30 degrees with respect to rearmost section 674. The twisting of tip 670 creates an additional irregularity in the shape of needle 666 adding to the wobble effect.

The foregoing has described various embodiments of the present invention as they relate to non-uniform distribution of mass in constructing a phacoemulsification needle. It is expected that these embodiments can be combined to add efficacy to a needle design. For example, the skewed ridges of FIGS. 71-80 can be added to the various tip designs described herein. Plugs of differing material can be added to the designs shown herein, as described in connection with FIGS. 63-70, as well as bumps as described in connection with FIGS. 55-60. Angled aspiration passageways such as described in connection with FIGS. 35-37.

The foregoing variations are expected to be effective with handpieces producing longitudinal, torsional, elliptical or other eccentric motions and are expected to demonstrate increased efficiency during the phacoemulsification process.

Thus, needles embodying the present invention create a hybrid motion independent of the type of handpiece and control console used. For those instruments designed to create a torsional vibratory motion, needles embodying the present invention create tip motion having a wider cutting range, covering more area. As observed, this hybrid motion appears to exhibit an energy focused more at the tip of the needle surface area, reducing wasted energy. The increase in efficiency exhibited by needles embodying the present invention has been demonstrated by comparing the cumulative dissipated energy levels for a handpiece using both the current and conventional needles to perform the same procedure. Use of the needles disclosed herein results in significantly reduced chatter, repulsion and thermal damage.

It is expected that the principles described herein can also be applied to other surgical instruments as well, such as those used for liposuction and coronary plaque removal. While the present invention has been described in the context of cataract removal, it should be understood that the principles of the present invention can be applied to the removal of different types of tissue as well, such as tumors and the like. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A phacoemulsification needle for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece, said needle comprising: an elongate needle body having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end, said needle body having a central needle axis extending along its length, said needle body terminating at a lip formed at said distal end; an aspiration passageway extending through said needle body, said aspiration passageway having a central passageway axis extending along its length, said aspiration passageway having an inner surface; said needle body axis and said aspiration passageway axis being angled one from the other such that said needle body axis and said aspiration passageway axis intersect.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said needle further comprises: a needle tip formed at said distal end, said tip having a cross-sectional shape, an exterior surface and an interior surface, said exterior surface and said interior surface terminating at said lip; said tip having a mouth defined by said lip; said tip having a central longitudinal axis; and at least a portion of said tip exterior surface being flared with respect to said needle body outer surface; and said tip central axis and said needle body central needle axis being parallel and offset one from the other.
 3. A phacoemulsification needle for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece, said needle comprising: an elongate needle body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, said needle body having a central needle axis extending along its length, said needle body terminating at a lip formed at said distal end; an aspiration passageway extending through said needle body, said aspiration passageway being defined by said needle body inner surface, said aspiration passageway having a central passageway axis extending along its length, said needle body inner and outer surfaces defining therebetween a needle body wall; a needle tip formed at said distal end, said tip having a cross-sectional shape, an exterior surface and an interior surface, said exterior surface and said interior surface defining therebetween a needle tip wall terminating at said lip; said tip having a mouth defined by said lip; said tip having a central longitudinal axis; and at least a portion of said tip wall formed to create a non-uniform distribution of the mass of said needle tip.
 4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said non-uniform wall portion comprises a thickened portion thicker than the remaining portion of said tip wall.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said thickened portion comprises a first wall portion extending from said lip in a direction parallel to said tip central longitudinal axis and a second wall portion extending from said first wall portion in a direction parallel to said tip central longitudinal axis to said needle body, said second wall portion being thicker than said first wall portion.
 6. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said thickened portion comprises a first wall portion extending from said lip in a direction parallel to said tip central longitudinal axis, and a cavity formed in said first wall portion.
 7. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said needle body axis and said tip axis are parallel and offset one from the other.
 8. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said thickened portion is non-uniform in thickness.
 9. The apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said non-uniform thickened portion has a scalloped cross-sectional shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to said tip axis.
 10. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said thickened portion comprises at least one protuberance formed in and extending outward from said tip outer surface and proximate said lip.
 11. The apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said thickened portion comprises at least one internal ridge, said ridge formed on said inner tip wall and extending in a direction toward said tip axis.
 12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11 wherein said ridge further comprises a ridge segment extending toward said lip and terminating proximate said lip.
 13. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said non-uniform tip wall portion comprises a weighted segment of said tip wall formed from a material having a density different than that of the density of the material forming the remaining portion of said tip wall.
 14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said weighted segment comprises a plug; said tip wall having a opening formed therein sized and shaped to fit and hold said plug, said plug having a density different than that of said tip wall.
 15. The apparatus as recited in claim 13 wherein said tip is formed from at least first and second tip segments joined together to form said tip; at least one said tip segment formed from a material with a density different than that of the remaining tip segment or segments.
 16. The apparatus as recited in claim 3 wherein said non-uniform wall portion comprises: said cross-sectional shape is polygonal; and said tip having a number of wall segments equal to the number of sides in said polygon; each said wall segment having at least one ridge segment formed thereon, said ridge segments being angled with respect to said tip axis.
 17. The apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said ridges are formed on said tip exterior surface.
 18. The apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein said ridges are formed on said tip interior surface.
 19. A phacoemulsification needle for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece, said needle comprising: an elongate needle body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, said needle body having a central needle axis extending along its length, said needle body terminating at a lip formed at said distal end; an aspiration passageway extending through said needle body, said aspiration passageway being defined by said needle body inner surface, said aspiration passageway having a central passageway axis extending along its length, said needle body inner and outer surfaces defining therebetween a needle body wall; a needle tip formed at said distal end, said tip having a cross-sectional shape, an exterior surface and an interior surface, said exterior surface and said interior surface defining therebetween a needle tip wall terminating at said lip; said tip having a mouth defined by said lip; said tip having a central longitudinal axis; said tip cross-sectional area being greater than the cross-sectional area of said aspiration passageway; and means for causing said needle tip to move eccentrically when said needle is vibrated at ultrasonic frequencies.
 20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said causing means comprises forming said needle tip walls with a sufficient length from said needle body to said lip to cause said eccentric motion.
 21. The apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein said causing means comprises a weight positioned on said needle body intermediate said proximal end and said tip.
 22. The apparatus as recited in claim 21 wherein said weight is asymmetric with respect to said needle body.
 23. A phacoemulsification needle for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece, said needle comprising: an elongate needle body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a proximal end and a distal end, said needle body having a central needle axis extending along its length, said needle body terminating at a lip formed at said distal end; an aspiration passageway extending through said needle body, said aspiration passageway being defined by said needle body inner surface, said aspiration passageway having a central passageway axis extending along its length, said needle body inner and outer surfaces defining therebetween a needle body wall; a needle tip formed at said distal end, said tip having a cross-sectional shape, an exterior surface and an interior surface, said exterior surface and said interior surface defining therebetween a needle tip wall terminating at said lip; said tip having a mouth defined by said lip; said tip having a central longitudinal axis; and at least a portion of said tip being twisted with respect to the remaining portion of said tip 